Machine for making, filling, and sealing containers



Nov. 21, 1939. J. Kv M. HARRISON 2.1 35

MACHINE FORMAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 -16 Sheets-Sheet l I N VEN TOR i Joim KM mrrzsan.

ATTORNEYS.

16 Sheets-Sheet 2 g AQINLN QQ Q ' INVENTOR; Jahn if. M mrrzson BY W TTORNEYS. 1

H3 I ER 4 A Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Origingl Filed Oct. 11, 19:57

O O 3 3 ma v @H mm E a H 0, W TNESSES:

MzwgM Nov. 21, 1939. I J HA|R|$0N 2,180,954

' MACHINEIFOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 16 Sheets-Sheet 3 TTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2,180,954

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 16 Sheets-Sheet 4 M 2m 2E Z6 35 101 3 Lf INVENTOR:

John if. M mi rison Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2.180,954

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1957 16 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG I] FIG? I] W I TNESSES INVENTOR:

Mimrrisorg NovfZl, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2. 0354 MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 lGSheets-Sheet 6 FIG: IE

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INVENTOR: John H. M imrrisor; BY

TTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2180,954

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 16 Sheets-Sheet 7 EGZIML' 35 INVENTOR:

Jbim if. Mfihrrison BY I TTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. -J. K. M. HARRISON 2,180,954

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 16 Sheets-Sheet 8 25* A WITNESSES; INV ENTOIi: JohnitMmrfzson BY W 1 ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2,180,

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALINGCONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 16 Sheets-Sheet 9 rrison IN VEN TOR: John if. M 7121 ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2,180,954

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 16 Sheets-Sheet l0 WITNESSES:

INVENTOIE: John H. Mfihrnson 92 ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. 1 HARRISON 2,180,954

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. Il, 1937 16 SheetsSheet ll W1 TNESSES: I llVENTOR: Wi wam '7 Jaim itMfiZxrrisan,

TTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2.l80,954

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1957 16 Sheets-Sheet l2 EZG':UZ

. INVENTOR:

m fi, John K Mf/izrrismy TTORNEYS.

Nov.

21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 9 MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, I937 16 Sheets-Sheei'lb' FJG. LX172 INVENTOR Jbhn if. MI imrrwon I BY W TTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939. J. K. M. HARRISON 2. 9

MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937" 16 Sheets-Sheet l4 WITNESSES: INVENTOR: Wfi w Jbhn nmmrrism,

g ATTORNEYS.

Nov; 21, 1939. J.K M. HARRISON .1 0.9 4 MACHINE FOR MAKING, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 16 Sheets-Sheet l5 WITNESSES? I i m WJD INVENTOR: @ziwZuji/w .;gJohn]T.Mi1hrrfsw .5 Q BY g TTORNEYS.

Nov. 21, 1939.- J. K. M. HARRISON 2. 03 4 MACJHINE FOR IVLAKIIIG, FILLING, AND SEALING CONTAINERS I6 Sheets-Sheet 16 Original Filed Oct. 11, 1937 INVENTORL John 71 ill 71217718017 TORNEYS.

ENW @NRN WITNESSES:

i I I Patented Nov. 21, 1939 mcnrm: FOR MAKING,

FILLING, AND

SEALING CONTAINERS John K. M. Harrison, Ogonta, Pa.

Application October 11, 1937, Serial No. 168,345

Renewed February 17, 1939 Y 54 Claims.

This invention has general reference to machines for producing or making, filling and sealing containers air-tight continuously; while it relates more particularly to machines adapted for operation on preformed body shells of paper, fiber or analogous material; and is primarily directed to an amplification and continuation, in part, of certain common subject-matter included in my prior application for patent, Serial Number 69,805, filed March 20, 1936, and which later matured as Patent No. 2,106,739, dated February-l, 1938.

The main object of the present improvements is to provide a novel automatic machine for assembling, filling and sealing paper containers,

from preformed body shell and end units, of predetermined size and capacity.

Another object is the provision of a machine of the indicated type, wherein the variouscyclic pro- 1 go cedures are operatively coordinated and interrelatedly effected in timed sequence.

A further object is the provision of a machine of the above specified character distinguished by a-carrier means which is automatically 'retin'ned to its lowermost, or normal, position in the event of exhaustion of any of the container forming components, jamming, speeding-up or retarding of the machine.

0ther-objects and advantages, more or less ancillary to the foregoing, and the manner in which they are realized in practice, will be hereinafter explained, or become apparent from a more complete examination of the following description, which, considered in conjunction with the 3 accompanying sheets of illustrative drawings, set

forth practical embodiments of the inventive features.

Generally stated, this invention embraces certain novel devices, combinations of means, and arrangements of parts hereinafter disclosed, illustrated by the drawings, and more concisely expressed in the claims at the conclusion of this specification.

In the drawings: Fig. 1, Sheet 1, is a side elevation, with a portion of the conveyor means removed to condense the view, of a typical form of the improved machine of this invention for making, filling and sealing, paper, fiber or analogous material containers.

Fig. 11, Sheet 2, is a top plan view of the preceding Figure. Fig. HI, Sheet 3, is a similar illustration to Fig. I, but with parts broken out or removed to better disclose underlying features of the invention.

Fig. IV, Sheet 4, is an end elevation looking towards the left hand of Fig. I, as indicated by the arrows IVIV thereon.

. Fig. V, Sheet 5, is a fragmentary plan view of that portion of themachine embraced between the arrows V-V,, Figs. I and III, with the elevating table in the down position.

Fiv. VI, Sheet 5, is a corresponding illustration to the preceding, but with the table in the "up position. r v

Fig. V11, Sheet 6, is a plan view of the drive and heating means for the spinning heads, with parts broken away and in section to better disclose important features, and taken as indicated by the arrows VII-VII in Fig. III. r

Fig. VIII, Sheet 7, is a part elevational and part sectional view, taken approximately on the plane marked VIlI-VIII in Fig. I, of one of the container end disc magazines-with the associated mechanism for moving a container body shell therebelow and releasing an end disc for partial insertion thereinto, and-drawn to a larger scale for clarity of illustration.

Fig. IX, Sheet 8, is a corresponding illustration to the preceding, but with the parts in difierent relative position or after eflecting insertion of an end disc into the container body shell.

Fig. X, Sheet 9, is an axial section illustrating an intermediate position of the upper portion of Figs. VIII and IX, or when the container body shell is proximate to and under the "capping head ready to receive and have inserted therein and end closure or disc.

Fig. XI, Sheet 9, is a detail plan view, taken approximately as indicated by the arrows XI-XI in Fig. V'HI.

Fig. XII, Sheet 9, is a view similar to the preceding, but taken on the plane XI[H[ of Fig. X

plane XIIIXIH of Fig. IX.

Fig. XIV, Sheet 9, is a vertical section on the plane XIV-XIV of Fig. X.

Fig. XV, Sheet 9, is a similar section on the plane XVXV of Fig. X.

Fig. XVI, Sheet 6, is a horizontal section on the plane XVIXVI in Fig. III, but drawn to a larger scale, and illustrating in detail a scraper mechanism, hereinafter fully explained, in its inactive position.

Fig. XVII, Sheet 6, is a similar view to the preceding, but showing the scraper mechanism in the active position. I

Fig. XIII, Sheet 9, is a similar plan view, on the in the direction of the arrows XX of Fig. XVIII.

Fig. XXI, Sheet 11, is a detail plan view of apunching mechanism, hereinafter fully setQforth, for producing a pressure venting orifice in the container body shells prior to filling and closure.

Fig. XHI, Sheet 11, is a broken; larger scale-,;

elevation of the means shown in the preceding view, with the punching means in the inactive position.

Fig. m1, Sheet 11, is a similar view, with parts in vertical section, but showing the punching means in the active position.

Fig. XXIV, Sheet 11. is a detail section on the plane XXIV-XXIV of Fig. XXIII.

Fig. XXV, Sheet 11,' is'a vertical section as viewed in the direction of the arrows XXV-XXV ofFig.XXlI. v

Fig. XXVI, Sheet 12, is a detail plan view with parts in section, of the container filling-valve and associated control mechanism, taken approximately on the plane XXVL-XXVI of Fig. III.

Fig. EVIL Sheet 12, is an elevation of the preceding view on the plane indicated by the arrows thereon, with the filler valve closed. Q I

Fig. XXVIlI, Sheet 12, is a similar elevation to the preceding, but also including the cam actuator means and with the filler valve open for discharge of a predetermined quantity of substance or liquid into the container.

I FlgQXXlX, Sheet 12, is a fragmentary detail of the filler valve actuator means.

Fig. XXX, Sheet 13, is a plan view on the plane XXX-XXX of Fig. III, and showing the cooperatively related mechanism whereby the several movements and interrelated actions involved in the machine of this invention are accurately timed.

Fig. XXXI, Sheet 13, is a broken detail viewed -in the direction of the arrows XXXf-IQKXI of the preceding figure, or the cam means controlling the container progressing and end inverting mechanism. v I

Fig. IQIXII, Sheet 13, is a similar view on the plane XXXlI-XXXH of Fig. XXX, and illustrative of the cam eiiective to control the return conveyor motion.'

Fig. XXXIII, Sheet 13, is a like view as indicated by the arrows XXXIH of Fig. XXX, showing the table raising and lowering cam means.

XXXIV, Sheet 13, is a vertical section on the plane XXXIV-'XXXIV of Fig. IQCX, showing the raising and lowering cam means for both conveyors and a small-elevating table hereinafter specifically described.

Fig. XXXV, Sheet 13, is a similar section on the plane XXXV-XX XV of Fig. XXX, of a filling valve and punch actuating cam mechanism. 1 Fig. XXXVI, Sheet 2, is a detail plan view of a transfer device operative to move the inverted containers from the forward conveyor to the return conveyor for filling and closing, or discharge. at that end of the machine to which the 76 container body shells are supplied.

Fig. XXXVII, Sheet 2, is an elevation looking from below the preceding view.

Fig. XXXVIII, Sheet 2, is a view corresponding to Fig. XXXVI with the transfer device in the inoperative or neutral position.

Fig. XXXIX, Sheet 2, is an elevation viewed from below Fig. XXXVIII.

Fig. XL, Sheet 14, is'a sectional view depicting the mode of chamfering theperipheral edges of a container body-shell prior toapplying an end disc or closure thereto.

Fig. XLLSheet. 14, is a similar view, showing an end closure in position ready for insertion into the body shell.

Fig. XLII, Sheet 14, illustrates the succeeding step of forcing-the end closure into the body shell with incidental slight expansion of said shell end.

Fig. XLIII, Sheet 14, shows the concluding operation of heading over the expanded shell end into reinforcing contact with the end closure outer surface.

Fig. XLIV, Sheet 15, is a plan view along the lines of Fig. II, showing a modified form of the invention. v

Fig. XLV, Sheet 15, is a cross section on the plane IUsV-XLV of Fig. XLIV, but drawn to a larger scale.

Fig. XLVI, Sheet 15, is a perspective view of a turnover member involved in the mechanism of Fig. XLV.

Fig. XLVII, Sheet 16, is a wiring diagram showing how the container elevating table of the machine is automatically returned to its normal or lowermost position when the supply of end closures becomes exhausted or in the event the speed of the machine advances or slows down unexpectedly; or the automatic action of said machine should be otherwise adversely affected; and,

Fig. XLVIH is a wiring diagram of the several heater heads.- ,1

Referring more in detail to. the drawings, it will be seen theimproved machine of this invention comprises a suitable base I to which is anchored spaced side members 2 rigidly braced by cross-ties 3. Intermediate the side members 2 is a stationary bed 4 including a vertically movable section or main table 5, the purpose whereof will be later on fully set forth. The bed 4 and table 5 are longitudinally grooved at 6, 1, respectively, for the reception of reciprocative and vertically movable conveyor elements or bars 8, 9, having spaced upwardly-directed projections In, H, those on the one bar 8 being active in one direction or toward the left-hand, for example, and those on the other bar 9 active in a reverse or righthand direction.

The conveyor bars 8, 9, are reciprocative in notched guides l2 disposed across the stationary bed 4, and said bars are arranged for intermittent timed actuation through the medium of rocker elements 13, pivoted at 14 between the bed side'flanges l5. These rocker elements l3 have camming projections l6 for coaction with the lower edges of the bars 8, 9, and said elements are operatively coordinated by connecting-rods l1, influenced in one direction by retractile springs I8 and movable in the other in opposition to said springs by pivotal arms l9, fulcrumed at 20. These pivotal arms l9 carry rollers 2| engaging projections 22 .on the connecting rods I'I, as well as rollers 23 coactive with cams 24 on a rotary cam-shaft 25 transversely journaled between the side members 2 aforesaid. Now it will be readily seen on reference to Figs. III and XXXIV, more particularly, that as the cams 24 are revolved in the direction of the arrow on the latter figure, the pivotal arms l9 will be intermittently swung in a clockwise direction by the cams 24 with resultant movement of the rocker elements l3 on their pivots l4 in a reverse or anti-clockwise direction, whereby the conveyor bars 8, 9 will automatically recede into the grooves 6, I, and vice versa as said bars are influenced by the springs l8. Track or guide rails 26 parallel each of the conveyor bars 8,9, and serve to guide thermoplastically-lined container body shells 21 into and part way through'the machine; and subsequently similarly progress for filling and closing containers 28 to discharge from said machine. As the body shells 21 areconsecutively entered into the machine, each one is firstly advanced onto the table 5, by which it is elevated into registration and engagement with a rotary heater head 29, at station A, adapted to soften the thermoplastic lining 39 and also chamfer the shell free upper edge at 3| as shown in Fig. XL. The means for intermittently elevating the table 5 preferably comprise links 32 pivoted at 33 below the guides l2, and also articulated at 34 to arms 35 carried by transverse shafts 36 intermediate brackets 31 extending downwardly from the side flanges l5 of the machine bed 4. Fixed to the shaft 36 are arms 35', in turn coupled together by a link 38 for operation in unison by means of a connecting-rod 39, having its one end fulcrumed thereto at 49 and the other longitudinally slotted at 4|, Fig. with a laterally-projecting roller 42 for coaction with a sectoral cam 43 fixed on theshaft 25, and rotative in the direction of the arrow on said cam to effect reciprocation of the connecting-rod 39 and elevation of the table 5, as hereafter more fully set forth.

In order to ensure accurate centering of each container body shell 21 relative to the rotary heater head 29. as well as other instrumentalities operating thereon during advancement along the table 5, the latter is provided with upstanding stationary guide elements 44, 45, and relatively movable grip members in the form of arcual-section plates 46. These grip plates 46 are supported by stems 41, slidable in a vertically movable bearing 48, and have short links 49 fulcrumed to their free ends, said links in turn being operatively connected at 59 to arms 5|, fast on rock-shafts 52. These rock-shafts 52 are journaled in spaced bearings 53 of. suitable guide brackets 54, 54' attached to, or formed integral with, the elevating table 5, hereinbefore referred to. Means such as slotted cams 55 secured to the rock-shafts 52, and engaging freely rotative rollers 56 at the outer ends of lateral projections 51, of the stationary bed side'flanges l5,' serve to project the arcual grip plates 46 inwardly and outwardly when the table 5 is raised and lowered, as clearly understandable on reference to Figs. VIII and IX, more particularly. In connection with the means just described, and for a purpose hereinafter set forth, there is provided what may be termed a latch-cam 58, pivoted at 59 to the vertically movable table 5, with its one end or tail 66 under the influence of a rectractile spring 6|, while the other or camming end 62 is outwardly angled relative to an intermediate stop portion 63, the purpose of which is later on ex plained, and said camming end 62 is provided with a vertically-directed extension 64. This extension 64 is disposed in the path of, and adapted for coaction with, a lateral projection or stop 65 of a latch tongue or member 66, pivoted at 61 to the base 68 of a vertically movable head 69 and inserted longitudinally-slotted tube 18 adapted for seating reception of a removable magazine 16, of end closures as well as a housing II for the end closure applying head 12 which is arranged to partially insert a cap or end closure 13 into the body shell 21 therebelow. The applying head 12 is enclosed in the housing or casing II which has a tubular portion 14, in which the stem 15 of saidhead is axially movable, with its upper portion in a stationary guide structure 16; andbetween the guide structure 16 and the top of the housing II is a spring ll in compression. said spring being guided by axially aligned stop rods l8, 19. The lower end of the latch tongue 66 is cut out or shouldered at 88 for engagement with an intermediate bar portion 54* of the guide bracket 54 to efiect simultaneous elevation of the movable head base 66 with that of the table 5 as later on set forth.

Supported by the vertically-movable head 69 with capacity for intermittent reciprocation is an ejector device or slide 6|, see Figs. X-XV more particularly, having one end conformatively curved at 82 for circumferential engagement with the individual end closures 13 as they are ejected from the removable magazine seating tube 18, by the means now to be described. This means comprises a pair of links v83, coupled at 84 to the ejector slde 8|, and at 85 to the lower ends' of angle members 86, fulcrumed at 81 to the tubular portion 14 of the movable head 69. Journaled I between the upper and laterally projecting parts 88 of the members or levers 86 is a roller 89 coactive with an undulate strap-like cam 96 integral with, or secured to, the applying head stem 15, as best shown in Fig. X. This strap-like cam 99 embodies an active portion 9|. and a dwell part 92, while the housing tubular portion I4 of the movable head 69 is vertically slotted at 93,

for passage therethrough of said cam, as well as to accommodate its up-and-down movement.

When a body shell 21 is moved into position brlow the movable head 69 at station B with an end closure 13 thereover, all the parts just described being in the position of Fig. VIII, the table -5 and with it said body shell commence to rise,

the latch cam 58 having located the tongue 66 in they path of the upward travel of an integrallyformed bar portion 54* of the guide brackets 54 or 54', until it comes in contact with the guide bracket 54 and elevates the magazine base 68 with it. The roller 69, Fig. VIII, then rides over the cam 9| causing the slide 8| to move, toward .the left-hand through action of the links 83, to the position shown in Figs. IX and XIII, at which time a fresh end closure I3 drops in front of the active orcurved end 82 of the slide 8|. When the end closure "is initially placed in thebody shell 21, the table 5 and magazine parts 18, 16 and II commence to descend, the roller 89 following vertically until it strikes the lower horizontal portion of the strap-like cam 90, whereupon further descent of the parts 10, 16* and H causes the roller 89 to move outwardly and upwardly over the active part 9| of said cam, and thereby effecting transfer of the released end closure 13 aforesaid. bewcen the spring clips 96 into pustion over the tapering aperture 94; see Figs. VIII and XI.

This tapering aperture 94 serves for passage of 10 positively ensure their movement in unison, as

well as to prevent accidental disalignment, or binding of the end applying head stem 15 in the tubular portion 14 of its housing H, and incidental distortion of the tubebody shell 21.

In conjunction with the slotted tube 10 there is provided a detector device 98, see Figs. VIII, IX and XV, more particularly, operative to direct attention to the fact when said slotted-tube 10 needs replenishing with end closures 13, as well as in circuit with mercoid-switches 99, 99, Figs. I, IV and XLVII in circuit with the main switch I00, for a purpose later on explained. The detector device 98 is preferably in the form of a counterweight lever with one arm I02 longer than the other I03, and a relatively offset angular-lydirected branch I04. This branch I04 serves,

when in the vertical position of Figs. IV and XV,

to engage and trip the mercoid-switches 99, 99' in advance of the main switch I controlling the motor IOI, as later on further amplified; while the detector device 98 is pivoted at I05 to 8. lug I06 projecting laterally from the movable head 69. The detector device 98 normally occupies the position shown in Fig. I, that is to say with the branch I04 inclined over from the vertical, or until the arm I03 is moved inwardly over the exhausting end closures 13, as shown in Fig. XV, whereupon the branch I04 becomes vertically-directed and aligned for coaction with the mercoid-switches 99, 99, as hereinafter more fully explained.

When either magazine 10* is loaded with end closures 13, the detector device 98 is retained, in the position shown in Fig. I, by contact of the arm I03 with the edge of said closures, in an obvious manner. The branch I04 is inclined to allow the arm of the mercoid switch 99, or 99. to ride between it and the other arm I03 on elevation of the table 5. Now it will be clearly apparent that, as the magazine 10 becomes partially exhausted, see Fig. XV, the detector device 98 swings on its pivot I05, under the influence of its longer arm I02, whereby the shorter arm I03 is projected inwards over the end closures 13, thus swinging the angularly-directcd arm I04 into vertically-directed and aligned position for coaction with the mercoid switch 99, or 99'.

The container body shell 21 with the partiallyinserted end closure 13 is now lowered by the table 5 away from the end applying or capper" head 12 and progressed by the conveyor 8 into axial registration below the rotary "spinning head I01, at station C whereupon the table 5 is again elevated by the means hereinbefore described. The body shell 21 and end closure 13 being raised into the spinning head I01, which is heated and preferably of the type disclosed in my prior patent, No. 2,106,739, dated February 1, 1938, and as it is pushed into said head, turns over and inwardly heads the contacting shell end, while forcing the end closure into its final sealed position.

The container 28 thus formed is now complete with respect to its bottom, and is lowered away from the spinning head I01 and transferred to the next station D where it is again elevated by the table 5, and by means of appropriate mechanism stamped or printed with the desired designating matter. This mechanism conveniently comprises bell-crank members I08, at each side of the machine,- pivoted at I09 to proximate vertical standards IIO, upstanding from the stationary bed 4, said members each having one arm forked at III for operative coaction with lateral studs II2 projecting from the adjacent table bearing 48. The other or upper arm of each crank member I08 is pivoted at I I3 to an associated connecting link I I 4, in turn fulcrumed at II5 to the outerend or stud-portion I I6 of a I rectangular-section stepped-member II1. Each stepped-member H1 is guided for horizontal movement by passage-through a slot II8, Fig. V, in a lateral projection or arm 9, of the associated standard H0, and a reciprocatory rod I slidable in apertured lugs I2I integral with said arm and standard. Vertical-movement of the table 5 will thus be seen effects reciprocation of each stepped-member H1, and by aid of an appropriate applicator roll I22 atthe inner end thereof transfers suitable marking medium from a pad I23 to the lower face of each stamping device I24 concurrent with the ascending movements of the table 5, ready for marking the exterior end surface of the containers 28, as successively elevated-into contact therewith.

The stamped container 28 on being lowered by descent of the table 5 is moved by the-conveyor 8 into registration with a turn-over mechanism, Figs. I, III, andv XVIII-XX. This turn-over mechanism preferably comprises a bracket I25 extending upwardly from one of the-machine side flanges I5, said bracket serving for rigid support of a bearing element I26 on which is freely journaled a sleeve I21, having at one end a gear I28 in mesh with a reciprocative toothed rack-bar I29, sustained by a freely-rotative roller I30, in turn supported by the bracket I25. Secured to the sleeve I21, at its inner end, as by a set-screw I3I is an abutment collar I32 intermediate which, and a slidable sleeve I33 on said sleeve I 21 is a spring I34 under compression. .The slidable sleeve I33 is maintained against rotation, relative to the sleeve I21, by a key I35, while the outer end of the sleeve I33 engages with the inclined or cam face I36 of the vertically-slotted portion I31 of a bracket means I38 integral with vertically-movable table bearing 54 Integral with the collar I 32 and the slidable-sleeve I33 are arms I39, I40. Now as the table 5 elevates, as shown in Fig. XIX, the arm I40, carried by the slidable sleeve I33, Fig. XVIII, will move inwardly toward the arm I39, under the action of the cam face I36, carried by the table 5, compressing the spring I34 and clamping the container 28. The rack bar I29 is then advanced towards the right in Fig. XIX under action of the cam I52, Fig. III, through the roller I5I, lever I48, rod I41, and arm I43, rotating the pinion gear I28 in counterclockwise direction, thus inverting the container 28. The table 5 is then lowered, causing release of the container 28, by separation of the clamp arms I 39, I40 by cooperation of the cam face I 36 and the spring I34. Further rotation of the eccentric cam I52 restores the clamp arms I39, I40 to their normal position, see Fig. I, in readiness to receive the following container 28. v The rack I29, as best understood from Figs. I and III, is fulcrumed at I to one arm I42 01 a special link, the other arm I43 whereof is parallel thereto and both of said arms are piv- 

